Rigatoni alla Genovese

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ItalianDinner

Rigatoni alla Genovese

Rigatoni coated in a deeply savory Neapolitan-style onion and beef ragu slowly cooked until the onions collapse into a rich, silky sauce.

Total

20 min

Servings

6

Level

Medium

Ingredients

Ragu

  • 2 extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 carrot, finely diced
  • 1 celery stalk, finely diced
  • 1 beef chuck, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 kosher salt
  • 1 black pepper
  • 1 dry white wine
  • 1 bay leaf

Pasta

  • 1 rigatoni
  • 3 Pecorino Romano or Parmesan, finely grated
  • pasta water, reserved

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a heavy Dutch oven over medium heat.

Add carrot and celery and cook 4-5 minutes.

4 min

Add beef and season with salt and pepper.

Brown the beef on several sides.

Add sliced onions and bay leaf.

Reduce heat to medium-low.

Cover and cook 20 minutes until onions begin releasing substantial moisture.

20 min

Uncover and continue cooking slowly for approximately 2-2 1/2 hours.

Stir regularly as the onions soften and collapse.

Add small splashes of water if the bottom begins scorching.

Once onions become deeply golden and jammy, add white wine.

Scrape the bottom thoroughly.

Simmer until wine is mostly reduced.

Break or shred the tender beef into smaller pieces.

Cook rigatoni in salted water until al dente.

Reserve at least 1 cup pasta water.

Add drained rigatoni to the onion ragu.

Toss over low heat with pasta water as needed.

Add grated cheese gradually.

Serve immediately with additional cheese.

Nutrition per serving

645

Calories

32.5g

Protein

78g

Carbs

21.5g

Fat

Chef's Notes & Storage

THIS IS NOT TOMATO SAUCE: Traditional Genovese is fundamentally an onion-and-meat ragu. ONIONS: The long cooking time is what transforms them from sharp raw onion into the sauce itself.
Part of:Sauces

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